The president said Snow, who served as Bush's third press secretary until last September, had been a dedicated public servant who loved his country and family.

"Tony, you know, worked with us and made a lot of friends here in the White House, and Laura and I are -- we're really saddened by his death," said Bush, referring to his wife Laura Bush.

Snow was forced to retire in order to deal with colon cancer, the disease that ultimately claimed his life Saturday at the age of 53.

Bush also took time to extend his condolences to Snow's wife Jill and their three children.

"And I just hope they understand that Tony was loved here in the White House, and a lot of those who, you know, got to know him really do care about Jill and the kids," the president said.